'Scotland has much to be proud of in the way that the pandemic has been managed. I have no doubt that the death toll would have been greater without the unwavering support and close working relationship between the government and the clinical community.' Dr Dr Stephen Cole, President of the Scottish Intensive Care Society Contributor reminders and comments talkingupreminders@gmail.com

Ian Bell pictured in 1986, during his time at The Scotsman. Picture: Alan Macdonald

Some of you were shouting ‘Ian Bell!’ He was the last and even back then, a freakish exception. He was really, really good and had many followers so the Scotsman’s and the Herald’s corporate owners tolerated him.

Before you have a go, I should explain my terms. It’s complex.

For ‘socially progressive’, there cannot be a trace of homophobia, transphobia or misogyny or racism or elitism and favoured policies must work toward a fairer more inclusive society including full rights for all, including children,………….you know what I mean. Veganism is not required but foxhunting is out!

For ‘economically leftist’ the market can never come first, and favoured policies must work toward greater equality in income, job security, educational opportunities and access to culture.

That’s not complete, I know, but I hope it does for starters.

Anyone coming to mind? Imagine anyone supporting Corbyn? Quite a few on the right though:

It’s interesting that the corporations and the rich do not fear the right, only the left – Weimar Germany, Argentina?

Quite a few, in the centre, fairly socially progressive I think, but on the economy, still dreaming of New Labour or even David Cameron and of doing a deal with the rich and the corporations:

Macwhirter, Davidson, Wilson…many others less memorable.

Wait! Kevin McKenna!?

Well, last time I read anything, socialist values on the economy and on many aspects of society but, big but, socially conservative and angry defender of the faith and the family, in its ‘traditional’ RC form.

Loved by his readers, revered by his peers and feared by his foes. Tragically for Scotland time has confirmed the believe that he was irreplaceable. Five years ago Nicola Sturgeon summed it up “We have lost William McIlvanney and Ian Bell in just one week. Too much.”

'Scotland has much to be proud of in the way that the pandemic has been managed. I have no doubt that the death toll would have been greater without the unwavering support and close working relationship between the government and the clinical community.' Dr Dr Stephen Cole, President of the Scottish Intensive Care Society Contributor reminders and comments talkingupreminders@gmail.com

'Scotland has much to be proud of in the way that the pandemic has been managed. I have no doubt that the death toll would have been greater without the unwavering support and close working relationship between the government and the clinical community.' Dr Dr Stephen Cole, President of the Scottish Intensive Care Society Contributor reminders and comments talkingupreminders@gmail.com

'Scotland has much to be proud of in the way that the pandemic has been managed. I have no doubt that the death toll would have been greater without the unwavering support and close working relationship between the government and the clinical community.' Dr Dr Stephen Cole, President of the Scottish Intensive Care Society Contributor reminders and comments talkingupreminders@gmail.com

'Scotland has much to be proud of in the way that the pandemic has been managed. I have no doubt that the death toll would have been greater without the unwavering support and close working relationship between the government and the clinical community.' Dr Dr Stephen Cole, President of the Scottish Intensive Care Society Contributor reminders and comments talkingupreminders@gmail.com